Lahad datu: The one-off RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid introduced by the MADANI Government has not only provided direct benefits to recipients but also created a healthy economic cycle in rural areas, including FELDA settlements. Checks by Bernama at Felda Sahabat, Tungku, located about 100 kilometres from Lahad Datu town, found that sales transactions among small traders registered under the SARA programme in the oil palm plantation area had also increased following the implementation of SARA.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, grocery shop owner at Felda Sahabat 07, Muhd Hairun Sah Hakim, 33, said that since his shop became a business partner for the assistance programme, there has been a significant increase in purchase transactions recorded at his premises. Muhd Hairun Sah noted that his business volume increased from 100 to 1,000 transactions a month, emphasizing the programme's impact on sales and income. Initially, there were some minor issues with the SARA system, but improvements have made it easier for shopkeepers and recipients to manage transactions.
Muhd Hairun Sah explained that customers use the MyKasih application to scan product codes, followed by MyKad payment transactions. This process results in a receipt for the customer and one for the shop's records. Many of his customers belong to the B40 group from Kampung Tanjung Labian and Tambisan, purchasing essential items like rice, cooking oil, flour, and sugar. Muhd Hairun Sah shared that the assistance has been crucial for families struggling with rising living costs and expressed hope that the government will continue the SARA programme.
SARA recipient Karina Popong, 50, mentioned that the RM100 assistance has been instrumental in easing her family's burden in obtaining basic necessities. She expressed her satisfaction with the SARA aid and hopes for its continuation. Similarly, grocery shop worker Umie Atiqah Amin Yusof, 25, stated that she uses the assistance to buy necessities for her child, specifically formula milk and disposable diapers.